Twelfth International Conference on Religion & Spirituality in Society

Abstract

My expertise is in Jewish-Christian relations, and my upcoming book “Let’s Talk: A Rabbi Speaks to Christians” (July, 2022, Fortress press) is a handbook for Christian clergy, church leaders, and lay people who wish to expand their knowledge about the Jewish aspects and roots of their faith. Easy to read and use as a reference guide, the chapters outline misconceptions, unintentional antisemitism in liturgy or interpretation, and beautiful comparisons, and help readers understand the difference between the historical Jesus and modern-day Judaism. This book can help readers in three specific ways. The first is simply to learn from the content in order to shape one’s own journey toward scholarship and interfaith education. In this way, the book can serve as a jumping-off point for new discoveries, new philosophical views on old topics, and a hunger for new material. Second, the book can be used as a teaching guide for adult education sessions of any size. Sections can be turned into worksheets or curricula, and then taught. Book clubs can read and process the material, chapter by chapter, and bring their questions and comments to a discussion setting. And third, this volume can be consulted as a handy reference guide when a question, a situation, or a conflict arises, to find a solution. The volume seeks to diminish conflict between Jews and Christians as it opens interfaith dialog and eases tensions from mistakes in the past.